Leap year proposal cupcakes

It's 2016 and women hardly need a funny, outdated Irish folklore excuse to get down on one knee anymore—however if you are ready to pop the question this January 29th, regardless of your gender, these seductive chocolate ring-topped cupcakes could be just the thing to sweeten the deal.

"The way to a man's heart (and his ring finger) is through his stomach," says kitchen vixen and author of Man Candy and Cupcakes Babe Scott.

"The Breakfast at Tiffany's blue velvet cupcake is the perfect way to put your man in the marrying mind this leap year, it's a proposal in batter complete with a chocolate ring.

"Forget ultimatums and forking out for diamonds—if he consumes this irresistible cupcake he is yours forever."

In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder and salt and set aside.

In another bowl, beat sugar and vegetable oil together with a mixer. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla and blue (or teal) gel paste and mix well.

Add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix well after each addition.

In a small bowl add the vinegar to the baking soda and stir well. (There should be a slight bubbling reaction.) Add this into the batter and mix well.

Fill muffin cups two-thirds full with batter and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Champagne cream cheese frosting

In a mixing bowl beat butter and cream cheese together with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition. Add the Champagne and mix until smooth.

Pipe frosting on top of cooled cupcakes with a piping bag and tip or plastic bag with the tip snipped off. Top with chocolate diamond ring cake topper, available at cake supply stores. Makes 12.

Recipe and image courtesy of Man Candy and Cupcakes by Babe Scott, available at Booktopia and Fishpond.